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- 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced - Additional strawberry slices for garnish To create these delightful mini cheesecakes, you need a few key ingredients. Graham crackers form the base, giving a nice crunch. The cream cheese acts as the star of the dessert. You want it soft, so it mixes well. Heavy whipping cream adds lightness to the filling. Fresh strawberries bring a sweet and juicy flavor. - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for strawberries - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Additional garnishes like mint leaves You can add sugar to the strawberries for extra sweetness. A splash of lemon juice helps brighten the taste. For a personal touch, consider garnishing your jars with fresh mint or even a drizzle of strawberry sauce. These simple tweaks let you cater to your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing Graham Cracker and Butter Start by crushing the graham crackers finely. You can use a food processor or a rolling pin. In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter. Stir until it feels like wet sand. - Distributing into Jars Take six small jars and divide the graham cracker mix evenly. Press the mixture down firmly to form a compact crust. Make sure it covers the bottom well. - Beating Cream Cheese and Adding Sugar In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix until it's smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and well combined. - Incorporating Whipped Cream In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means it should hold its shape well. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. - Layering Cheesecake and Strawberries Spoon a good amount of the cheesecake filling into each jar, filling them halfway. Next, layer the diced strawberries on top of the cheesecake. This adds a sweet and fruity touch. - Final Presentation in Jars Add more cheesecake filling on top of the strawberries, filling the jars to the brim. Smooth the top with a spatula. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh strawberry slices. Now, put the jars in the fridge for at least two hours. This will let the cheesecake set properly and chill before you serve it. - Achieving Stiff Peaks in Whipped Cream To get stiff peaks, start with cold heavy cream. Pour it into a bowl and beat it on medium speed. Watch closely as the cream thickens. Stop when you see peaks that stand tall. This step adds air to your cheesecake. - Folding Techniques to Retain Air When you fold whipped cream into your cream cheese mix, use a spatula. Start at the bottom and lift the mixture gently. Fold until just combined. This keeps your cheesecake light and fluffy. - Using Fresh or Flavored Vanilla Extract Pure vanilla extract brings warmth to your cheesecake. You can also try flavored extracts like almond or lemon. Just a teaspoon can change the taste. - Experimenting with Berry Combinations While strawberries are great, feel free to mix in other berries. Blueberries or raspberries add color and tartness. You can even create a berry blend for extra flavor. - Serving Suggestions for Parties Mini jars are perfect for gatherings. Place them on a nice tray for an eye-catching display. You can drizzle some strawberry sauce for added flair. - Utilizing Decorative Jars Choose jars with unique shapes and colors. This makes your dessert stand out. Add fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of green. These small touches impress your guests. Pro Tips Chill Your Ingredients: For a smoother cheesecake filling, ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature and your heavy cream is cold before whipping. Perfectly Layered Jars: To achieve beautiful layers, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to add your cheesecake mixture and strawberries precisely. Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. You can also substitute with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist. Make Ahead: These mini cheesecakes can be made a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve for an easy dessert option. {{image_4}} You can change up the fruit layer in your mini cheesecakes. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well. Just switch out the strawberries for any of these fruits. Seasonal fruits add great taste too. Think about using fresh cherries in summer or apples in fall. Each fruit gives a new flavor twist. If you want a vegan version, try coconut cream or cashew cheese. Both options create a creamy texture. For sweetness, use maple syrup or agave instead of powdered sugar. These swaps make the dessert kinder for plant-based diets. You still keep that delicious cheesecake taste! Want a quick dessert? You can make this no-bake! Just prepare the crust and filling, then layer them in jars. No baking means less time in the kitchen. Chill the jars in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This sets the cheesecake and makes it cool and yummy. Enjoy your sweet treat without the wait! - Keep your jars in the refrigerator. This keeps the cheesecake cold and safe to eat. - Use airtight containers if you cannot fit them in the fridge. This helps keep the jars fresh. - These mini cheesecakes can last in the fridge for three to four days. After that, the texture and taste may change. - If you want to freeze them, they can last up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Yes, you can make these jars ahead of time. I often prepare them a day in advance. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just keep the jars covered in the fridge. They stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. Chill the cheesecake for at least two hours. This time helps it set properly. If you can wait longer, it will taste even better. I often let mine chill overnight for the best results. You can use coconut cream as a great substitute. It gives a nice, rich texture. If you prefer, you can also try silken tofu blended until smooth. This option is lower in fat and still creamy. Yes, you can use granulated sugar or honey. Just remember that honey is sweeter, so use less. You can also try agave syrup for a different taste. Adjust the amount to suit your sweetness preference. In this article, we explored how to make mini strawberry cheesecake jars using simple ingredients like graham crackers and cream cheese. We covered step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and exciting variations to suit your taste. These delicious treats are easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose fresh fruit or make a vegan version, you can enjoy this dessert your way. Test different flavors and presentation styles to delight your friends and family. Enjoy your cheesecake adventure!

Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Jars Delight

A delightful dessert featuring layers of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries in individual jars.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for strawberries)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are thoroughly coated in butter and resemble wet sand.
  • Evenly distribute the graham cracker mixture into 6 small jars, pressing down firmly to create a compact crust layer at the bottom of each jar.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is fluffy.
  • In another bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and whip using a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream. This will create a light and airy cheesecake filling.
  • In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, which will help the strawberries soften and release their natural juices.
  • Spoon a generous layer of the cheesecake mixture atop the graham cracker crust in each jar, filling them to about halfway.
  • Next, add a layer of the marinated strawberries over the cheesecake layer in each jar, ensuring an even distribution.
  • Carefully pipe or spoon additional cheesecake mixture on top of the strawberries, filling the jars to the brim. Smooth the surface gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
  • To elevate the presentation, garnish each jar with a few fresh strawberry slices on top.
  • Place the jars in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for at least 2 hours, giving the cheesecake time to set properly before serving.

Notes

Arrange the jars on a decorative serving tray for an elegant display. For added flair, drizzle with homemade or store-bought strawberry sauce and sprinkle with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Keyword cheesecake, dessert, jars, strawberry